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Outgoing ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize's top 5 messages to business

Johannesburg – In what was likely his final address as ANC treasurer general to SA business leaders, Zweli Mkhize on Sunday stressed the importance of the private sector building relationships with government to help resolve the economic issues facing the country.

Mkhize told the audience that in a matter of hours he would no longer be treasurer general, as his successor would soon be elected. The announcement of the ANC's next leader and its top party functionaries is expected to take place on Monday morning.

There is, however a slim chance the announcement may be made on Sunday evening.

Mkhize thanked the SA business community for its contribution to discussions on state policies, saying these were necessary to drive the country forward. Discussions with relevant ministers were valuable in helping to build confidence, he noted.

2. Aim for broad-based growth

The treasurer general said some of the major issues facing SA's economy were how to attract more investment and ensure successful broad-based growth.

He said business must create more jobs and work to enable the integration of black entrepreneurs into the mainstream economy. This is the kind of action that would help stabilise SA's democracy. Broad-based growth, he said, enables economic transformation.

3. Help the small guys

He called on leaders of big business to help develop small businesses. Small business development, he said, requires the twin enablers of creativity and policy incentives.

4. There is a whole Continent to the north

Mkhize also spoke of the importance of driving growth across the continent. He said that multiple centres of economic activity needed to be established throughout Africa.

5. Delays mean nothing

There was nothing untoward about the delays in the ANC’s conference, Mkhize reassured business leaders. He said that while the ANC had to sort out issues related to the credentials of delegates attending the conference, the party’s plan was set to move forward without any glitches.